Washington state: Gay marriage within one vote of passage

State Sen. Jim Kastama announced today he will support gay-marriage legislation.

Kastama was one of six undecided senators on marriage equality - and a current candidate for Secretary of State.

The Puyallup Democrat is the 24th announced supporter of same-sex marriage in a Senate where 25 votes make a majority. Although Democrats hold majorities in both our state' chambers, a bill is not certain to pass, as some conservative Democrats have sided with Republicans on the issue.

Six U.S. states currently allow same-sex marriage: New York, Massachusetts, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire and Iowa. Gay marriage is also legal in the District of Columbia.